National Rugby

Wales U20s 26 Italy U20s 9

WALES Under-20s got their Six Nations campaign up and running with a 26-9 win against their Italian counterparts at Colwyn Bay, writes Chris Kirwan.

Tries by left wing Joshua Adams, number eight James Benjamin and right wing Dafydd Howells ensured that Byron Hayward's young guns took the spoils but there is plenty of room for improvement ahead of what will be a far sterner test against Ireland in Athlone in round two.

A sextet of Newport Gwent Dragons youngsters took to the field with hooker Elliot Dee and back row forwards Scott Matthews and Benjamin impressing with their energy while fly-half Ethan Davies booted 11 points and lock Scott Andrews and flanker Ollie Griffiths came off the bench.

Wales bossed territory and possession in the first half but had to be content with an 11-9 lead at the break thanks to Evans' score and a pair of penalties by fly-half Davies.

It was more of the same after the break with Wales failing to make their trips to the Italy 22 count.

Davies kicked another three-pointer before a close-range try by Benjamin, who was pipped to the man of the match award by Matthews, earned a 21-9 lead with 55 minutes on the clock.

But Wales had to wait until the last play to their tally on a frustrating night, full cap Howells dashing over down the right.